By JF Grodeska
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Atlantic Highlands Borough Council member James Murphy recently announced his bid for mayor and spoke exclusively to The Two River Times about his candidacy. Murphy, a Republican, faces current council president Lori Hohenleitner, a Democrat, in the Nov. 7 General Election. Current Atlantic Highlands Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, a Republican, is not running for reelection. She presides over a heavily Democratic council, with Murphy the lone Republican.
Murphy’s answers have been lightly edited for clarity and space.
The Two River Times: What is the driving force behind your decision to run for mayor of Atlantic Highlands?
James Murphy: The driving force behind my run for mayor first and foremost is my passion, love and commitment to serve the community and people of Atlantic Highlands. As a third generation resident of Atlantic Highlands, it has been ingrained in my upbringing to honor, respect and support our beautiful community and protect its legacy for future generations.
TRT: What will your priorities be as mayor of Atlantic Highlands?
Murphy: The role of mayor is an honor that I will not take lightly. I agree the challenges of today and tomorrow, particularly based on the national political climate, are quite daunting and distracting. My priorities as Mayor will be to focus on the best interests of the residents, businesses and environment that is right here in Atlantic Highlands.
My priorities as mayor are simple: Uphold four core guiding principles for our community: Family, Safety, Infrastructure and Education.
By staying true to these four guiding principles, no challenge will ever be met with ambiguity. My promise to the AH citizens is to make all decisions based on these four guiding principles. Whether it is redevelopment, cannabis, Mother Teresa or open space… all of these very important decisions should be met with these two questions: How will it impact our community, and what benefits will it bestow to our residents?
TRT: What do you think sets you apart from your opponent, current council member Lori Hohenleitner?
Murphy: Though Lori and I have served alongside (each other) for a few years now, there are so many dif ferences in our leadership style. I am a true servant leader; I am not guided by higher-level political agendas. My leadership will be focused on the best interests of the residents, businesses and environment, right here in Atlantic Highlands.
I am a thought leader, and based on my experience, education and many years of working in the municipality, I will lead my fellow council members in the direction of solutions uniquely tailored to what’s best for Atlantic Highlands.
I have built trusted and strong relationships with town leaders and citizens over my tenure as a resident and council member. I bring thought leadership and a collaborative approach in building teams to work together.
I am very proud of the strong and open communicative working relationships I have forged within the borough to include our administrator, borough clerk and all three chiefs of the EMS, police and fire. Not only have I worked beside these fine men and women but consider them friends.
Alongside of my commitment to run as mayor is Ellen O’Dwyer and Vinnie “Coach” Whitehead for council.
The article originally appeared in the June 1 – 7, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
